China Telecom launching e-commerce business

According to Interfax, China Telecom, China's largest fixed-line operator is choosing among competing
suppliers, including 8848 and IBM, for a trial e-commerce platform to
be tested in Wuhan. An 8848 source said that China Telecom first
solicited bids in November of last year, and will make a final decision
in mid-January. The platform provider must be capable of building out a
B2B, B2C, and a C2C solution.

China Telecom will use the e-commerce
platform to sell prepaid cards and telecom services initially, and
eventually venture into books, music, video, and other retail
merchandise. Current competitors in the Chinese e-commerce space
include Joyo.com, operated by Amazon, EachNet, owned by eBay, and
Alibaba.com.